Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company offers services that satisfy both your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual inspections paired with preventive care for continuous coverage, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll inspect structures meeting the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could lure termites, such as the following:- Cracks in expansion joints
- Deadwood
- Firewood stacks
- Pooling water around the foundation
- Standing water on the roof
- Wood mulch close to the foundation
- Wooden deck supports
- Wooden fences
Interior Inspection
Exterminators usually provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on locations that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. They might check the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If an infestation is discovered in your house, the inspector will usually suggest an effective treatment plan to remove the termites effectively. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil surrounding homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, sealing it off, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite problem, the inspector may suggest a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections check for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspection company may recommend landscaping or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and improve drainage. Taking care of these issues reduces the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a set time period following the original service. Some exterminators provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers fixes for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that they may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. More time in the field usually leads to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that include reservice or repairs. Get the policies in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pesticide applicators in North Carolina must be licensed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Your provider will likely have either a commercial ground applicator or a public ground operator license. Also, confirm that the company is properly insured. Any technician that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, perusing online reviews, and getting recommendations from family and friends can offer insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.